Back on a bike

[copracat]

Bicycle was my main transport when I was university and then in my early working days. It was affordable! I stopped when the commute to a new job was through some very non-bike-friendly city traffic. Times have changed in 15 years and my city is now trying to make the city much more bike friendly so I'm having another go.

I bought myself an Electra Townie a week ago because it was suggested to me as a great bike for people with knee problems and I'm recovering from a knee injury. I tried one out and fell in love immediately.

I've been having a little ride around the flat streets of my suburb after work this week. Today was the first time I took her out for a run. I did a long, mostly flat, very low gradient loop taking in the bike paths near my house and I'm just exhilarated. I cycled with families and with people going places. I could smell the sausages on the bbq as I rode past a school fete (Note: always take your wallet when you go for a ride). I could feel the autumn sun and the fresh breeze and hear people and birds and dogs as I came through the park.

I can't believe I forgot how wonderful bicycling is. And my knee doesn't hurt!

Comments

[juliet]

Making sure you've got the fit right (saddle not too low, primarily) is a massive help with knee problems, as well. And taking it easy :)

(I have dodgy knees but happily cycling if I do it right actually helps them.)

Yay bikes!

[copracat]

Good lord, yes. I was using an old ten speed on loan for a while but I couldn't get the seat at the right height for the pedals without making it far too high off the ground for my comfort. I could just touch the ground with leg at full extension which my knee did not like at all. That unsafe feeling plus pain does not incline a person to getting on a bike.